The Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked No. 2, faced a disappointing conclusion to their College Football Playoff hopes after falling to the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic. This loss marks a challenging end for the Buckeyes, who had their sights set on a consecutive national championship.
As the team transitions into the offseason, they are now confronted with the complexities of navigating the transfer portal, which officially opened on Friday. The Buckeyes are already witnessing player departures, with the most recent exit being that of wide receiver Mylan Graham, who has decided to enter the portal.
Graham, who appeared in nine games for Ohio State during the 2025 season, recorded merely six receptions for 93 yards and did not score any touchdowns, reflecting limited exposure on the field. He joined Ohio State as a highly touted four-star recruit in the 2024 cycle, ranking as the No. 9 wide receiver and No. 39 overall player nationally, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. With three years of eligibility remaining, Graham will look for a new opportunity at a different program after spending his entire collegiate career with the Buckeyes.
Graham is not alone in this decision, as he becomes the third wide receiver to enter the transfer portal, joining teammates Damarion Witten and Bryson Rodgers. Additionally, the departure of longtime receivers coach and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who recently accepted the head coaching position at South Florida, adds to the challenges Ohio State faces this offseason.
Head coach Ryan Day will likely utilize the transfer portal to address these departures, following last offseason’s strategy where the Buckeyes welcomed 10 transfer players while losing 16.
This period of transition presents a chance for the Buckeyes to rebuild and strategize for the future, highlighting the ongoing dynamic nature of college football and the importance of adapting to changes in the roster.